Lack of Spontaneous Interaction

Kirsten Garrett • October 28, 2020

​Conversations that happen in the hallways or kitchens, over drinks on a Friday evening or in one-to-one catch ups foster important decision making. It’s these interactions which often result in creativity and spark news ideas.

Similarly, these interactions can form the basis for mentoring and formal training and development sessions.

With many of our workplaces working virtually and physically distanced, business leaders are finding it increasingly tricky to build collaboration among talented members of a group or to facilitate cross-team assignments needing critical outcomes.

The noticeable absence of small talk between virtual workers may lead to a reduction of innovation and collaboration. These peripheral relationships play an important role in organisational performance, raising and maintaining product quality, building trust and achieving project milestones.

Spontaneous interactions, along with onboarding challenges, productivity vs burnout and workplace reconfiguration, is just one of the “red flags” affecting company culture which is outlined in our latest market report.

If you’re interested to know more, please contact me via kirsten.garrett@people2people.com.au and I will happily share a copy of the latest people2people market report – Reshaping The World of Work.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia
   I    United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

Recent articles

By people2people UK December 15, 2025
Skills-first hiring is gaining momentum, with 85% of organisations now using it in some form. However, challenges around assessment, training and leadership alignment continue to limit consistent adoption. Explore what’s driving the shift and how employers can make skills-based hiring work in practice.
By people2people UK December 8, 2025
As job hopping becomes more common, organisations can take practical steps to reduce unnecessary turnover while supporting a modern, flexible workforce.
By people2people UK November 30, 2025
More UK workers are requesting salary advances and calling for flexible pay options as financial pressures intensify. Discover the latest trends shaping employee pay preferences across the UK.
By people2people UK November 23, 2025
Discover why communication gaps between generations are increasing in UK workplaces and how HR can bridge these divides through shared experiences, team activities, and stronger human connection.
By people2people UK November 18, 2025
A clear guide for UK employers on conducting fair, transparent and legally compliant redundancies during rising unemployment and economic uncertainty.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us